Chợ Crawford Mumbai (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai)

Mumbai is dotted with huge and flashy shopping malls. However, most of the southern part does not, so Crawford Market is the place where most of the goods are concentrated. At the time of its founding, it was the source of fresh produce for the British. And this place soon became a shopping center. Even today, Crawford Market is a popular place to get good deals on household goods and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Crawford Market is also known for its beautiful architecture. The Crawford Market Building was conceptualized by William Emerson and it was designed to receive sunlight throughout the day. A blend of Norman and Flemish architectural styles was used to construct the structure from Kurla and Redstone.

The exterior of the building is covered with paintings, murals and entrance reliefs depicting Indian farmers with their crops. In some sections, glimpses of the Gothic style can also be found. The clock tower is decorated with carvings that resemble the Victorian style. Colorful fountains are also part of the Crawford Market architecture.

Crawford Market is named after Arthur Crawford, the first city commissioner of Mumbai. Its construction was completed in 1869 with the help of donations from Cowasji Jehangir, and shops started operating from 1871 onwards. In 1882, the Crawford Market building was the first building in India to have electricity. After India gained independence, this market was renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market in honor of a prominent social reformer of Maharashtra.

Today, the area in and around Crawford Market is like an open-air mall that lures you in to buy anything you see: toys, travel accessories, fashion accessories, gifts and imported goods Imports are among the many available at Crawford Market stores. However, Crawford Market is known for its wholesale shopping of women's and children's clothing, dried fruit and home decor. The market is bustling with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables in the morning. The market is especially lively in the meat and poultry section during the early hours to midday.

In addition to those, you can find delicacies like chocolates and bakery products at the shops. This place is also known for selling pets such as dogs, cats and birds.

Opening hours: Crawford Market opens early in the morning with an appearance of fresh produce from rural farms. By 9 a.m., the fruit and vegetable shops begin to clear their goods for the day. But for most stores in Crawford Market, the opening time is around 11am. And they stay open until 8pm. However, on Sundays, the market is only open in the morning. Also, some stores are closed on Tuesdays. So it would be better if you don't visit Crawford Market on Sunday and Tuesday.